These trails are open to hikers, horseback
riders, and mountain bikes.
TR 315 (Watertower Trail) is 0.8 miles (one
way). It passes through an area of ponderosa
pine, alligator juniper, and scrub oak.
TR 316A connects this trail with TR 316.
TR 315 ends at TR 317. <br/><br/>
TR 316 (Pine Lakes Trail) is 1.5 miles (one
way). It climbs through a ponderosa pine forest
to a ridge, then descends through pine, oak,
and riparian forest along Willow Creek. It has
many different wildflowers in season. The trail
ends at a gate, but continues beyond Forest
Service land into the Pine Lakes residential
area. TR 316A connects this trail with TR 315.
<br/><br/>
TR 317 (Ridgetop Trail) is 1.0 miles (one way).
It winds through ponderosa pine, scrub oak,
and mixed vegetation. The trail climbs to a
ridge where it offers scenic views of the San
Francisco Peaks and Thumb Butte. The
eastern end of the trail is at Trailhead Street in
the Forest Trails residential area.
<br/><br/>
TR 318 ((West Trail) is 1.4 miles (one way).
It passes through an area of pinÌon and
ponderosa pine, scrub oak, manzanita, and
prickly pear cactus. Although elevation change
is minor (200 feet), the trail offers views of the
San Francisco Peaks. The western end of the
trail is at FR 9401B. Horseback riders may
enter at this west end of the trail. The forest
road begins 0.9 miles west of the Thumb Butte
parking lot.
From downtown Prescott travel west on Gurley <br />Street, which becomes Thumb Butte Road. <br />Continue on to Thumb Butte Picnic area <br />(3 miles from courthouse). Trailheads 315 <br />and 316 begin at the loop road on the north <br />side of the parking area. <br /> <br />
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